What does Preamble of Sammy’s Law do?

This bill aims to require large social media platforms to provide application programming interfaces (APIs) to third-party safety software providers. These APIs would allow parents or legal guardians to delegate permission to a third-party safety software provider to manage a child's online interactions, content, and account settings. The delegation of permission would occur on the same terms as if the child were managing their own account.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Sammy’s Law do?

This bill is formally titled Sammy's Law.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Sammy’s Law do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress regarding the protection of children on large social media platforms. Congress believes parents and legal guardians should be able to utilize third-party safety software to safeguard their children. The section identifies cyberbullying, human trafficking, illegal drug distribution, sexual harassment, and violence as dangers harming children on these platforms.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Sammy’s Law do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. A 'child' is defined as an individual under 17 who has registered an account with a large social media platform. The term 'commerce' is defined by reference to section 4 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. The 'Commission' refers to the Federal Trade Commission. A 'large social media platform' meets specific criteria related to features, user base, and revenue, and excludes certain services. Services excluded from the definition of 'large social media platform' include those primarily for professional services, commercial product sales, or news/information without direct child-to-child communication. A 'large social media platform provider' is a person who provides, manages, operates, or controls such a platform for commercial purposes. The term 'State' includes states, territories, and federally recognized Indian Tribes. A 'third-party safety software provider' is authorized to manage a child's online interactions on a large social media platform for protective purposes. 'User data' is defined as information created by or sent to a child on a platform, subject to specific conditions related to delegation under section 4(a) and a 30-day timeframe.

What does PROVIDING ACCESS TO THIRD-PARTY SAFETY SOFTWARE. of Sammy’s Law do?

This section establishes a duty for large social media platform providers to create accessible application programming interfaces (APIs) for third-party safety software providers. These APIs allow a child (13 or older) or their parent/guardian to delegate permission to a registered third-party safety software provider to manage online interactions, content, and account settings. The APIs also enable secure transfers of user data from the platform to the third-party provider, at least once per hour. Third-party safety software providers must register with the Commission and demonstrate they are a U.S.-based company, not controlled by foreign entities, and will use data solely to protect children. Registered providers are subject to annual audits to verify compliance and security practices. The Commission is tasked with issuing guidance for platform providers and safety software providers and educating consumers about their rights under this Act.

What does IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT. of Sammy’s Law do?

This section outlines the implementation and enforcement mechanisms for the Act. Violations of this Act will be treated as violations of unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce this Act using the same methods, jurisdiction, powers, and duties as if the Federal Trade Commission Act were incorporated. Entities violating this Act are subject to penalties and entitled to privileges and immunities under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The Act does not limit the FTC's existing authority under other laws. The FTC must issue guidance to social media platforms and safety software providers within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The FTC will conduct biannual assessments of compliance by social media platforms and safety software providers. The FTC will establish procedures for complaints from children, parents, platforms, or software providers alleging violations.

What does ONE NATIONAL STANDARD. of Sammy’s Law do?

This section prohibits states and their political subdivisions from enforcing laws that require large social media platforms to provide real-time application programming interfaces (APIs) for third-party safety software. These APIs would allow parents or legal guardians to delegate permission to third-party software to manage a child’s online interactions, content, and account settings on social media platforms. This section clarifies that it does not limit the enforcement of state consumer protection laws. It also clarifies that it does not preempt state trespass, contract, or tort laws. Furthermore, it does not preempt state laws related to fraud, unauthorized access to personal information, or notification of unauthorized access.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of Sammy’s Law do?

This Act's effective date is contingent upon the Commission issuing guidance.

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Sammy’s Law

Last updated: 12/11/2025 · Introduced: 4/3/2025

Author: Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)

TL;DR (AI)

Sammy’s Law mandates that large social media platforms create application programming interfaces (APIs) enabling parents or guardians to delegate management of a child's online activity to registered third-party safety software providers.
The bill requires third-party safety software providers to register with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), demonstrating U.S. based operations and a commitment to using data solely for child protection.
These APIs will facilitate secure, hourly transfers of user data from social media platforms to registered third-party safety software providers.
Violations of Sammy’s Law will be treated as violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act, subjecting platforms to FTC enforcement actions and penalties.
To prevent a patchwork of state laws, the bill preempts state and local regulations requiring social media platforms to provide APIs for third-party safety software, while preserving existing state consumer protection, trespass, contract, tort, fraud, and data access laws.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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